Internet Privacy is a Myth. Duh.

I get tired of figuring out how to keep my information out of the hands of corporations, hackers and miscellaneous data gatherers.

I carry a smartphone. Every time I install something or actually use an app I’m asked to decide if I’m willing to provide personal information, my location, my list of contacts, or some other piece of information I’d rather not share.

Do I want to use a keyboard that MAY collect all of my passwords, credit card numbers, and all the other juicy things I type into my phone’s keyboard? To quote Homie D. Clown, “I don’t think so! Homie don’t play that.”

My 17 year-old, on the other hand, has no such dilemma.

When presented with a question like this the answer is always “OK.” No second thoughts. No debate. Just an “I want this”, a click, and life continues with another little piece of technology meeting his needs, along with the needs of whoever is on the other end of that “OK” button.

Not good.

With these thoughts in mind, I share this infographic that provides a few facts of how this absent minded clicking, sharing, commenting, etc. will provide way more information than we have in mind.

Enjoy, and click “OK” with a better idea of what you’re consenting to.

Author: Dave Nielsen

I started using computers in 1978 on the Apple II and was first online (using my “high-speed” 1200 baud modem) in 1989. I’ve managed web sites for several Fortune 500 companies and for internet start-ups.
Working for one of those start-ups is what brought me into the world of credit. I was part of the the executive team that ran QSpace, the first company to offer credit reports over the internet.